Qatar’s legal market is highly specialized, driven by its vast LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) wealth, massive infrastructure projects (part of the Qatar National Vision 2030), and the unique regulatory environment of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).
The top firms in Doha are a mix of powerful regional Middle Eastern firms that dominate local courts and elite international firms that handle large-scale, cross-border transactional mandates.
Top 10 Commercial Law Firms in Qatar
| Rank (Approx.) | Firm Name | Category/Standing | Key Specialties/Focus |
| 1 | Al Tamimi & Company | Regional Powerhouse | Market Leader. Dominant in Corporate/M&A, Banking & Finance, Litigation, and regional regulatory work. |
| 2 | White & Case LLP | US Global | Pre-eminent in Project Finance, Energy & Infrastructure, and high-value Capital Markets. |
| 3 | Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners (SAP) | Elite Qatari Firm | Highly regarded for Arbitration, Litigation, and complex Corporate/Commercial advisory. |
| 4 | Dentons | Global Giant | Strong presence in Corporate/Commercial, Regulatory Compliance, and international banking advice. |
| 5 | Sharq Law Firm | Leading Qatari Firm | Noteworthy practice in Capital Markets, Corporate Restructuring, and local dispute resolution. |
| 6 | Eversheds Sutherland | Global International | Highly-ranked for Corporate/Commercial, Real Estate, and Islamic Finance. |
| 7 | K&L Gates | US Global | Highly skilled in Banking & Finance (Conventional & Islamic) and Projects, often QFC-based. |
| 8 | Clyde & Co LLP | UK Global | Specialist focus on Construction, Energy, and Insurance sectors in the Gulf region. |
| 9 | Al Sulaiti Law Firm | Full-Service Qatari Firm | Strong local Dispute Resolution and robust Corporate/Commercial practice. |
| 10 | Addleshaw Goddard LLP | UK Global | Strong in Corporate, Capital Markets, and Construction/Projects, often advising on QFC and English law. |
🔑 The Dual Legal System Advantage
The Qatari legal market operates under two main systems, which dictates which firms lead in certain areas:
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Qatari Civil Law Jurisdiction (Local Courts): Local Qatari firms like Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners and Sharq Law Firm have rights of audience in the Qatari Civil Courts. They are essential for local litigation, land disputes, and deep regulatory advice. Al Tamimi & Company is the regional firm that seamlessly bridges the local and international.
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Qatar Financial Centre (QFC): International firms often base themselves in the QFC, which has its own independent Common Law system (English-based) and courts. Firms like White & Case and K&L Gates leverage this structure to advise international banks and investors on finance and cross-border deals.
⛽ Energy and Projects: The Core Expertise
Given the massive capital investment in the North Field Expansion (NFE) and related infrastructure, Project Finance and Energy Law remain the most crucial practice areas. Firms like White & Case are consistently mandated on the largest financing deals, while the top Qatari firms handle the local regulatory and commercial agreements.